Get ready because Apple’s about to flip the script in a way nobody saw coming. According to fresh reports, the iPhone 17, due for release later this year, won’t be getting iOS 19. Instead, it’s set to run iOS 26. Yep, you read that right, twenty-six. This is a calculated move that signals Apple is shifting its entire software identity.

For years, Apple updated iOS incrementally. Each new version climbed one number higher. But this June, during the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple will reportedly scrap tradition and reveal a new year-based naming system. This means iOS 26 will represent 2026, even though it launches in 2025. It’s bold, strategic, and meant to bring every Apple OS under one unified banner. Say goodbye to the confusion of iOS 18, macOS 16, and watchOS 12 running side by side. Now, it’s iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and more.

This change from Apple isn’t just about branding. It’s a sign of a deeper transformation. And as your trusted source for all things Apple, iTey Store is here to break it down for you.

Why Apple Is Skipping Numbers

The renaming serves a clear purpose. Consistency. Simplicity. Marketing clarity. For a company as meticulous as Apple, that matters. Until now, Apple’s operating systems ran on disjointed numbers. iPhones got iOS 18. Macs were at macOS 14. Apple Watches hovered around watchOS 11. It created a mess for customers trying to keep track of what software number matched which device. So Apple’s making the jump. By aligning every operating system to match a year-based system, like iOS 26 for 2026, Apple simplifies its ecosystem.

Think of how car companies do it. You don’t buy a 2024 model in 2024. You buy it in 2023. Apple is following that same principle. If you buy a device in 2025, it’ll run iOS 26, a system designed with the next year in mind. It communicates that your hardware is future-proof.

Samsung pulled a similar move back in 2020, ditching Galaxy S11 for S20 to match the year. Apple has done it before too. Remember iLife 08 or iWork 11? This is Apple being Apple: late to the party, but coming in dressed better than everyone else.

Will Apple Change the iPhone Names Too?

No. If the software’s jumping to iOS 26, will the iPhone jump too? No. The next phone is still expected to be called iPhone 17. But it might be the last of its kind.

Calling a new iPhone “17” while it runs iOS 26 creates a weird disconnect. Most people don’t remember what year their iPhone came out, and version numbers don’t help. There’s also the question of Apple’s 20th iPhone anniversary, coming up in 2027. Apple skipped iPhone 9 and leaped from iPhone 8 to X. So they clearly have no problem with name changes. Maybe we’ll get an iPhone X2. Or iPhone 20. Or just “iPhone,” similar to how MacBooks and iPads are named.

If Apple does eventually go year-based with iPhones, it’ll feel more natural. Especially when the software’s already pointing in that direction.

What iOS 26 Could Mean for Your iPhone

Name changes aside, what’s under the hood matters most. iOS 26 is shaping up to be Apple’s biggest leap in over a decade. Think back to the jump from iOS 6 to iOS 7. That was a complete design overhaul, and insiders say iOS 26 might bring a similar transformation.

With iOS 18 heavily focused on Apple Intelligence, which is a fancy name for Apple’s AI push, there were delays and hiccups. Siri’s smart features didn’t fully land this spring, and user feedback has been mixed. Now, with iOS 26, Apple may dial back the AI fanfare and bring a polished, streamlined, and visually refreshed experience.

Early whispers suggest revamped widgets, deeper personalization, and more intuitive navigation. It may also include tighter integration across devices. Think macOS, iPadOS, and iOS working more like one system. This is a massive win for users juggling multiple Apple products.

And yes, iOS 26 is expected to launch with iPhone 17, but it will roll out to millions of older iPhones too. So if you’re rocking anything newer than an iPhone 12, you’re probably in the safe zone for this update.

Stay Tuned on iTey Store to Keep Up with the Latest News on iOS 26 in Kenya

At iTey Store, we don’t just sell Apple devices, we live and breathe this stuff. From iPhone unboxings to in-depth tech analysis, we’re obsessed with bringing you the truth behind the screen.

When iOS 26 drops in Kenya, we’ll walk you through the real changes, not just the hype. And when iPhone 17 hits shelves, you’ll find it here at iTey—authentic, warranty-backed, and fairly priced. Whether you're buying your first iPhone or upgrading to the latest beast, we’re your go-to Apple partner.

Stay tuned. The future of iPhone is about to change, and iTey Store is riding front seat.